Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1887-06-29

Rev. Mr.. Fleming said that the Pfesbyte-
ry was "going to do something wrong. The
accuser has made serious charges against a
brother, member of this body, and now
asks this Presbytery to assist him in sustain
ing his charges The accuser should make
good his own cause"
Mr.. Edwards disputed these grounds,
claiming that the Presbytary was compelled
10 take up the charges
Rev. Mr.. McIlvaine said that there was
counsel for the defense-a celebrated ecclesi.
astical lawer-while on the other side were
men entirely ignorant of the rules govern
ing such proceedings.
Finally DIR. Childs was appointed, much,
however, against his will.
The clerk then read the charges against
Mr. Todd, as follows:
/ charge the Rev. Francis NJ. Todd with
!. Unchastity.
3. Conduct unbecoming Christian and min
lister.
Specifications: On the oath day of May, 1887,
between the hours of and 10 o'clock a.. M, the
said Francis III. Todd was by one Robert
Turner in q secluded place, in forest or wood
near the division line betweea the Carry and
the Hall farms about two miles from NokesvIlle,
| Va, and about 200 yards from the public road,
| lying on lap robe or blanket with woman UNI
known to said Turner, who withdrew herself
when Turner appeared.
II. H. WASHINGTON, Elder
Witnesses: John Slaught, Robert Turner, John
L. Carico, Mr. Moloney, G. ii. Snow, Littel Slack,
| Mrs. Sarah Slack.
"What is your plea, Mr.. Todd?" asked
| the moderator.
In firm, sharp tone Mr.. Todd replied :
81 plead not guilty"
Robt. Turner, colored, the first witness
| for the prosecution, was called, and testified
substantially as on former occasions, he al
eging that on May "a. he surprised the de-
PENDANT and an unknown woman under
compromising circumstances in the woods
near Nokesvile. Witness had heard o
scufiling, and looking around tree saw a
lady; she had on hat of mixed straw; she
succeeded in keeping be: back to him. She
was on her hands and feet, trying to get out
of sight; she finally got behind bush and
Strengthened up. She seemed to'be pretty
good sized woman, and wore black dress
and had dove-colored veil over her hat.
She was about ten yards from the man at
that time. The man was lying on his right
side, resting on his right elbow; his feet
were toward witness; he raised up q
little and spoke to him. Witness recognized
| Mr.. Todd, who was present, as the man ne
Il
saw on the lap robe.
Considerable discussion then took place
on the question of the competency of GER
tsin testimony.
Continuing, witness averred that no one
had ever offered him a cent, one way or the
other, in this affair.
John L. Carco testified that Turner had
met him after the alleged discovery and that
| they had both repaired to the spot desg-
mated by Turner, where there were unmis-
taxable toe marks in the soft ground also
prints made by horse hoofs.
Several persons living in the neighbor-
hood of Nokesvile were examined, but their
testimony was of no special Importance,
after which the minutes of the session were
read and the Presbytery adjourned to meet
in the New York Avenue Presby
Church tomorrow morning at 1915.
1t is very probable that the succeeding
sessions of the court will be held next week
at Manassas, or else a commission will take
evidence there and report to the Presbytery.